Twins' Thome is back, Rauch says he's OK

Jim Thome has returned to the Minnesota Twins lineup for the first time in 10 days after dealing with soreness and tightness in his back.

The slugger has not played since Sept. 21 because of the injury. He says his back feels much better and he was looking forward to getting some swings in a game before the playoffs begin on Wednesday.

Thome says he planned to take two at-bats on Friday night against the Toronto Blue Jays.

Right-handed setup man Jon Rauch also says that he will be ready for the postseason. Rauch had fluid drained from his left knee and took a cortisone shot to treat an injury that he's been dealing with for more than a month.

Rauch says he will not pitch this weekend against the Blue Jays and hopes to be ready for a bullpen session on Monday or Tuesday.

(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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